4th of July is a great time to be in Lake Norman NC!

Please note, I have written a new article about 2010 events for the 4th of July: Lake Norman 4th of July 2010 or simply click on “Home” at the top left-hand side of the header.

From nostalgic patriotic parades to community festivals with firework displays to myriad planned and spontaneous boat-tie up parties on Lake Norman, there truly is something for everyone here in the greater Lake Norman area this 4th of July. Get out of your home, save gas and have a great time!

Saturday, June 28th at 11:00am is the Iredell County Independence Celebration Parade which is an annual event held in downtown Troutman. The truly old-fashioned parade features “everything from professional floats to kids pulling a wagon with a dog in it”. This will be the third year I will be on the Mooresville Lake Norman Exchange Club float so I can tell you from first-hand experience what a fun, Norman Rockwell type event this is. We hand out over 2000 flags to children every year as we travel along the 3-mile route from Downtown Troutman to the Iredell County Fair Grounds.

Vietnam War veterans will be the 2008 grand marshalls. “We want any Vietnam veterans from anywhere,” said Dennis Clary, parade chairperson. “We’re going to give these guys the welcome home they never got but deserved.” Every year we have floats for Vietnam, Korea and World War II and even people dressed in period Civil War clothing. I hope to see you all there!

Also on June 28th, at 6pm, The Town of Cornelius will be holding their annual Independence Day celebrations at Bailey Road Park which features a pops concert by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, jugglers, comedian The Great Fettucini, face painting for the children and, of course, a Fireworks grand finale. For more information: Cornelius 4th of July Celebration

In Mooresville last year, the Lowe’s YMCA first Summer Celebration and Fireworks Show was so successful, drawing a crowd of 9,000 children and adults, that is it now an annual tradition. Focusing on a family atmosphere, the event is July 3rd from 5pm – 10pm at the YMCA. It was great fun last year as I worked on the free RE/MAX hot air balloon rides. There will be children’s games, a rock-climbing wall, food vendors, ice cream, The Lake Norman Orchestra and a spectacular fireworks finale. Bring you lawn chairs! For more information: 704.716.4000.

Davidson is once again having their parade and fireworks display on July 4th starting at 5:30 at their Town Hall. There will be fun and games for the children, music by the Summerdaze Band, concessions and fireworks at 9:15pm. Wristband are required to join in the festivities due to the popularity of this. They are free to residents and $5 for non-residents and can be picked up through June 30th: 704.892.3349

Huntersville’s Birkdale Village is having a kid-friendly festival from 10:00am – 2:00pm on July 4th where kids can decorate their bikes, do an art project, get their face painted and more including a parade and water fight!

If you want to know where the action is on Lake Norman itself you need go no further that LKNFUN.com! How about a huge blowout party at Vinnies?

I found this short video on YouTube that will give you a flavor of a true party on Lake Norman: